Medicinal Herbs to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Don't panic at the news of an abnormal pap test.

By Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., and Kathi Keville

| September/October 1998

Vitex

Stacks of flat squamous cells (above) make up the epithelium, or outer layer of the cervix. Small changes in these cells won’t necessarily develop into dysplasia, but may be a warning sign. Moderate to severe dysplasia indicates elevated numbers of abnormal epithelial cells. In severe dysplasia, abnormal cells extend through ­ two-thirds of the ­epithelium. When the disease progresses to cancer, abnormal cells exist throughout the thickness of the epithelium and can spread.

The portion of the cervix located at the top of the vagina is covered by squamous epithelial cells; the cervical canal is lined with ­columnar cells. The border between these two types of cells is called the transformation zone and is located around the opening of the cervix. Cervical dysplasia or cancer typically begins in the transformation zone. Cells in this zone are very sensitive and may respond to changes in pH, toxins produced by the vagina’s microflora or circulating in the bloodstream, substances in a sex partner’s semen, douches, contraceptive foams, infections such as genital herpes or warts, or an IUD. The transformation zone constantly shifts its ­position as women age and may even move inside the cervical canal.

Burdock

“Your pap test shows cervical dysplasia.”

Many women worry when they hear their doctors say these words.
Cervical dysplasia, or abnormal cell growth on the cervix, could be
a sign that cancer is developing. If ­untreated, cervical dysplasia
may spread to the upper vagina, the uterus, and other parts of the
body.

But the progression is far from inevitable. For many women,
these cell abnormalities clear up on their own. And for others, the
early warnings provided by annual Pap tests and the available array
of herbal and medical treatments offer chances to defeat cervical
dysplasia before it becomes cancer.

Who has it?

Approximately 5 percent of all Pap smear tests conducted in the
United States note cervical dysplasia, with the peak incidence
occurring in women aged twenty-five to thirty-five. Health
practitioners know that some women are more at risk for cervical
dysplasia than others, particularly those who smoke, who are
vitamin-deficient, or who have been infected with the viruses that
cause herpes, genital warts, or HIV.

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The more advanced the dysplasia, the more likely it is to become
cancerous, but even mild cervical dysplasia should be closely
monitored. When a Pap test reveals cervical dysplasia, another Pap
test is usually ordered to confirm the first test result. If
abnormal cells are still present, a procedure called a colposcopy
may be performed, which allows the doctor to examine cervical
tissue in greater detail and biopsy any abnormal areas. If the
cells from a follow-up Pap turn out to be premalignant, your doctor
may surgically remove or otherwise destroy the offending cells.

Herbal healing

You can help correct mild to moderate cervical dysplasia by
adopting a natural health program that includes exercise and a
nutrient-rich, toxin-free diet. This regime helps support the
body’s immune system and cleansing abilities, two important
functions when it comes to treating cervical dysplasia. The five
herbal action groups described below are especially strong allies.

Hormone regulators

Whether hormone imbalance promotes dysplasia hasn’t been
established by science, but we believe hormones’ intricate
interplay is an important consideration. To prevent both dysplasia
and cancer, we recommend herbs that increase progesterone, regulate
estrogen, and reduce prolactin levels. Excessive estrogen, whether
synthetic or produced by the body, can also increase the chance of
cervical dysplasia or cancer.

Vitex berries (Vitex agnus-castus): Usually
considered the herb of choice for cervical dysplasia, vitex helps
balance progesterone levels. Scientists think that vitex works by
regulating the pituitary gland, which sends chemical signals to
other glands, telling them how much of each particular hormone to
make.

Liver support

Many cancers are a response to a continual irritant—such as
cigarette smoke—that stimulates abnormal cell growth. Western and
Chinese herbalists theorize that the liver’s inability to break
down and eliminate toxic waste products may increase the chance of
developing cervical dysplasia and cancer. Liver-supporting herbs
also help keep excess estrogen from causing damage. Some herbs and
foods can support the liver and help it detoxify the body.

Blood detoxifiers, immune stimulants

Herbalists believe that increasing elimination of waste products
from the blood via the bowels and kidneys can help heal the source
of many ailments. Immune stimulants such as echinacea should only
be used short-term.

Echinacea leaf or root (Echinacea spp.): This
native American plant is a superior immune booster.

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum): This herb
is a classic immune tonic known as “the mushroom of immortality” in
China.

Phytoestrogens

Some herbs have a mild estrogenic effect on the body and are
known as plant estrogens, or phytoestrogens. They prevent human
estrogen from overstimulating sensitive tissue and reduce the risk
of developing cancer.

Directly applying herbs

In addition to taking herbs, you may wish to consult your doctor
about applying them internally. Naturopathic doctors can “paint”
the cervix with an herbal solution that causes the cervical lining
to slough away, much as occurs after cryotherapy (cold surgery).
More visits to the doctor are required, however. An alternative is
to make your own suppositories (suppository recipes are included in
our forthcoming book, Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health from Botanica
Press).

The importance of nutrients

Much research has focused on cervical dysplasia and nutrient
levels. Women with cervical dysplasia often have lower-than-normal
blood levels of vitamin C, folic acid, and selenium, and many
physicians recommend they take these in supplement form. Taking a
10-mg folic acid supplement daily has been associated with improved
Pap smears in dysplasia patients. And recent research indicates
that insufficient dietary amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C,
riboflavin, and vitamin E are also strongly linked to the
condition.

High blood levels of vitamin A, which is formed by the liver
from carotenoids, have been associated with regression of cervical
dysplasia. In particular, lycopene, a carotenoid found in both
fresh and cooked tomatoes, seems to have a protective effect
against dysplasia.

Another way to help your body is to normalize the microflora in
your intestines by eating fermented foods such as yogurt and
sauerkraut. Acidophilus supplements also encourage a healthy
balance of microflora.

Best defense

We believe that anything that lowers general immunity probably
contributes to cervical dysplasia and cancer. Whenever you are
trying to strengthen your immune system, avoid fried food,
caffeine, and refined sugar in any form because they can increase
inflammation and reduce immune function. Inflammation is closely
associated with free radicals, which may also be involved in the
creation of abnormal cells that may develop into tumors.

Cardiovascular exercise also increases the strength of the
immune system. Daily exercise such as walking stimulates deep
breathing and greatly increases the circulation of life-giving
oxygen and blood. 8

Recipes

These recipes ­incorporate herbs from each of the five herbal
action groups mention­ed above, but you can create your own blends.
Simply select one herb from each action type, depending on
availability, quality, and preference. You can use dried herbs,
tinctures, tablets, or capsules. Use two parts of the
hormone-regulating herb to one part of each herb from the other
categories.

If you’re making a tea from dried herbs, separate them into two
categories: (1) roots, berries, or barks, and (2) leaves, flowers,
or other aboveground plant parts.

The roots, berries, and barks can be simmered to make a
decoction, or strong tea. Bring about six cups of water to a boil
and add one-fourth to one-half cup of herbs; simmer for about
twenty minutes, let cool, and strain.

For leaves and flowers, make an infusion by pouring boiling
water over the herbs and letting them steep for about five minutes
in a covered teapot or mug.

If you’re using a prepared formula, follow the directions on the
package. Several of these herbs can also simply be sprinkled into
any cooked dish.

Dietary health

If you have cervical dysplasia or risk factors associated with
it, we recommend that you follow these dietary guidelines; as
always, it’s best to consult your health-care practitioner to
tailor these suggestions to meet your individual needs.

• Vitamin A, beta-carotene—5,000 IU to 10,000 IU daily. Both
nutrients are found in red peppers, yams, and green leafy
vegetables. Caution: Take no more than 10,000 IU of vitamin A per
day; above that level, it could be toxic. Beta-carotene, a
water-soluble precursor of vitamin A, is safer.

• Lycopene—1 mg to 5 mg daily. Lycopene is found in fresh
tomatoes and tomato products.

Christopher Hobbs is a licensed acupuncturist, author, and an
Herbs for Health editorial adviser. Kathi Keville is an herbalist
and author of many books, including Herbs for Health and Healing
(Rodale, 1996).

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